“Why don’t you ever write nice poems, like, about nice things?” It was a simple question but one that shocked Sarah to hear from a classmate. She wrote what she felt, and what she experienced. She never thought about writing about nice things. Surely she had a nice experience, worthy of a poem. It was a challenge she was willing to take on. When she got home that evening she thought long and hard about when she was last happy. Surely her life wasn’t always as dark as it was now? She thought about when she was younger before her mom and dad both lost their jobs when the shoe factory closed down. It took her a while but then she remembered. So caught up in the present, she had forgotten. The sun began its descent behind the rugged peaks, casting a golden glow upon the lush forest of evergreens. The sound of birdsong filled the air as a family of four ventured deep into the wilderness, embarking on a camping adventure they’d been dreaming about for months. Dad led the way, carrying a heavy backpack filled with camping gear, his rugged determination a testament to the daring affair they were embarking upon. Mom, equally enthusiastic, followed close behind, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “ I can’t believe we’re finally here. Look at that golden glow over the peaks!” Their two children, Sarah and Emily, eagerly trekked through the woods, their youthful spirits untamed by the world. With each step, the forest canopy above them grew thicker, providing a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight and cast dappled shadows on the forest floor. It was a moment to wear the enchantment of nature like a cloak, a gift from the wilderness itself. As the day gave way to night, the family set up their campsite beside a crystal-clear stream that gurgled its way through the heart of the forest. They pitched their tents, collected firewood, and kindled a campfire that would become the heart of their outdoor haven. The crackling flames and dancing shadows created a mesmerizing flare that drew them in, and they sat together, each taking a moment to share under the starlit sky.As the fire crackled, Emily, not yet ten, poked at the flames with a long stick. “This is great Dad, can we roast marshmallows now?” “Marshmallows are boring,” Sarah said, “We’re in our own adventure story! They don’t eat marshmallows on Safari. ”Sarah talked about being an explorer. She imagined the forest around her now was like the jungles, with fierce man-eating lions and hidden treasures to uncover. She actually frightened herself into thinking she could hear the lion growling in the distant darkness. Her Dad laughed. “Calm your imagination, Sarah, there are no lions in these woods. Emily, with a sparkle in her eye, declared that she’d be an astronaut, soaring among the stars. Trying to one-up her sister she asked, “Do you think there are aliens in the woods, watching us from their spaceships?” Sarah gave a nervous squeak as she looked up at the stars. Their parents just rolled their eyes. Mom shared stories about the places she had been and the places she wanted to see, while Dad confessed his desire to reconnect with nature and cherish these moments with his family. As the night deepened, a hush fell over the campsite, broken only by the sounds of the forest—the chirping crickets and rustling leaves. There was no need to stare at screens or follow schedules. Time slowed down as they lost themselves in storytelling, the flames, and each other’s company. Sarah couldn’t sleep inside her tent with her sister. She kept hearing the sound of a large beast roaming at night about the jungle, it heavy paws were the cause of the rustling leaves. She woke her big sister. “Do you hear that? It’s a lion! It’s come to eat us!” “It’s just the sound of crickets and rustling leaves.” Her sister replied, only half awake.” Go back to sleep!” Suddenly a loud growling sound was heard, Sarah grabbed her sister tightly, “It’s outside the tent!” She whimpered. Her sister had heard it that time and clutched little Sarah tightly in fear. And then, they heard it again, loader this time. Emily took a deep breath and pushed her sister away. Half in laughter and half in annoyance that she was now wide awake, “That is just dad snoring!” Emily lay back down with a thump and turned away from her sister. “But I did hear something large walking around outside!” Sarah insisted. “Yeah, it’s the aliens and if you don’t go back to sleep I am going to make you sleep outside and they will take you away in their spaceship. Sarah didn’t think it was aliens but she thought her sister might actually make her sleep outside under the stars, so she decided she had better go to sleep.With the first light of dawn, the family emerged from their tents, greeted by the promise of a new day. The wilderness was awake, alive with the songs of birds and the whispers of the breeze. They embraced the tranquility of the morning, basking in the serenity that nature generously shared. As Sarah emerged from the tent she saw everyone else had been up for awhile already. Emily had already eaten most of the bacon that had been cooked over the fire for breakfast and her Mom handed her a bowl of mostly eggs. “Is there anything else to eat?” She asked. “Well,” Her Mom said, “ I saw a patch of wild raspberry bushes lining each side of the road just half a mile back. Emily take your sister and go pick some.”Emily rolled her eyes but the thought of fresh berries kept her from complaining about having to take care of her sister. They walked the short distance together and found the ripe bushes full of delicious berries. Sarah put more into her mouth than into the dish and Emily had to scold her. “Save some for Mom and Dad!” As the sun climbed higher in the sky, a new character entered their camping story—a wild brown bear. It emerged from the thicket, its shaggy coat glistening in the sunlight. “A lion!” Sarah cried out. At first, Emily didn’t believe her but then she saw it as well. Both girls dropped their berry dishes and ran. The Large animal came out unto the road behind them but paused to sniff the spilt containers of berries. Though they quickly made it back to camp, Sarah was in tears. “Bear!” Emily cried, as her dad took a step forward to look around, the family’s collective breath held in suspense.He too saw the bear, It was a far way down the road from them, however, showed no aggression. It was as curious about the newcomers as they were about it. With a cautious yet steady pace, it approached, and the family found themselves staring at this majestic creature, captivated by the encounter. Then the bear sauntered off into the woods.“Why didn’t the bear eat us?” Sarah asked. “Bears don’t eat people.” Her dad reassured her. “It was probably just looking for food and we keep all of our food locked up in the car.” Her mother explained. “Speaking of food, Let’s get our trail mixes out of the car and go for the hike we planned!” Her Dad said. “But what about the Bear?” Sarah asked, still afraid. “Stop being a baby Sarah, We just make lots of noise on our hike and the bear will stay away.” “But what if we get lost?” Sarah continued to worry. “We stick together, and we’ll find our way.” Her Dad said confidently. As they hiked through towering forests, their feet sinking into the earth, they marveled at the beauty that surrounded them. Sarah and Emily pointed out vibrant wildflowers and curious critters they encountered along the way. In these moments, they became explorers of the world, their hearts open to the wonders of the wilderness. Throughout their camping journey, they encountered challenges—unpredictable weather, a stubborn tent zipper, and navigational mishaps. None topped the bear sighting, but the Bear did not reappear. When the time came to leave the woods and return to the world they knew, they did so with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. They drove back home, And every time they heard the word “bear,” They always talked about how Sarah had insisted there were lions in the woods, it became a family camping tale. As Sarah recounted the tale in her mind, it didn’t make her feel happy. She felt sad, angry, made fun of, and rejected. “Maybe I am over-sensitive.” She thought to herself. Determined to write something down and keep it, “Nice” She composed-

A family ventured out to camp, a daring affair, With backpacks packed, they’d do and share, Setting out on an adventure rare, Through woods and trails, and wilderness fare, As the crackling fire warmed with flickering flare. Around the flames, stories they’d declare, and Marshmallows they’d eagerly prepare. As night descended, and shadows filled the air, Little did they know, near them walked a bear. With the dawn, they rose, a new day to share, In the great outdoors, they discovered wonders rare. With berries to eat they thought they had no care, but then the bear- faced them head-on, a resilient affair. Through thick and thin, they’d always be aware, That as a family, there’s nothing they wouldn’t dare. So remember this tale, no matter when or where, A family’s love and strength, a bond so rare. With courage strong, they’d face what’s there, No challenge too great, not even when a bear.